Made by a Fabricista: A Casual Jumpsuit

Have you seen all of the new jumpsuit patterns that are coming out lately? There are so many! I've been anxious to try a jumpsuit, but hadn't worked up the courage until I saw Sandra Betzina's version with Vogue 1483.

I always enjoy Sandra's patterns, so I decided to give this one a try. You can see from the line drawing that it has pockets (YAY!), a zip front and raglan sleeves.

It reminded me of this one that I had seen by Stella McCartney, which I liked, but would cost $1700 at Barneys!

I really struggled with what to make it out of. I wanted something drapey, but not too thin. The pattern suggests ponte knit, challis, or crepe, so I went to Fabric Mart's ponte selection. I was afraid that a solid would look too industrial, so I decided on this print.

Here's a close-up of the details and the print. I have to admit that this was out of my comfort zone in the print- but sometimes it's good to try new things. I knew that it was a good fabric composition- ponte knits that have rayon as the largest component are very soft and have a great hand to them. They are very easy to sew with, and the fact that it could stretch was important just in case I made the rise too short!

So, now that the decision was made on the fabric and the pattern, then came the decisions about adjustments. Being tall, I could never, EVER wear a ready to wear jumpsuit- they are way too short. I added 3" total- 1-1/2" at the bottom of the bodice, and 1-1/2" at the hem, and I think it turned out to be pretty good for my 5'9" frame. If I were to make this from a woven fabric, I would add another 1-1/2" at the top of the pant portion.

There are a few considerations to take into account when wearing a jumpsuit, and the first that most people think of is -how do I get out of this thing? Well- this one is easy. The zipper front is just like putting on a pair of onesie pajamas.

In fact, that is probably my main issue with it- how to not have it look like pajamas! I've noticed since making this that most of the jumpsuit patterns are sleeveless, which would cut down on that pajama look. I thought about chopping off the sleeves, but it's still pretty chilly here, and I need sleeves!

So, I decided to wear a vest, belt and necklace with it instead. My daughter said that it looked like I was going hunting in my pajamas. Haha. I do see her point- while the print is not a camo, it does have that vibe! But, I've worn this a couple of times already and I have gotten quite a few compliments. In fact, my husband really likes it! He rarely comments on anything, but he thinks this one is fun. But more importantly, I really like wearing it!

How about you? Any jumpsuits that you would like to make? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something different?

Happy Sewing!

Ann for SewBaby News

Made By A Fabricista: A Denim Set for Spring

Happy Friday All! I am ecstatic to share my latest make that I had on my to make list for a while. My goal for the month of February was to sew a mini vacation capsule for a trip, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to. I was able to make 3 of the 6 pieces including this denim set. When this beautiful denim fabric arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been wanting to recreate a linen look I made a few years ago using the Montoya coat pattern with a few adjustments. I created VIEW A without the peplum and lengthened it by 6 inches. Instead of sewing the tie inside the seam of the top like I did here, I wanted to make it separate so that it looks like a jumpsuit. (Read the blogpost here ). Moreover, my body has changed and I needed to cut a size larger so that I can rock it as an open vest or a top tucked in. I love the way it turned out but wish I had extended it by 8 inches instead of 6. For the pants, I went to my tried and true simplicity 8605 pants pattern and

Made By A Fabricista: Three Spring Basics – With a Twist

Hello Sewing Friends! By the time spring rolls around I am ready to pack away my winter wardrobe and wear my warm weather clothes. Since I don’t go into an office setting – and I like to be comfortable - basic essentials in my wardrobe include t-shirts, cardigans and knit dresses. The Cardigan The idea of sewing elevated basics came about when I spotted this fabulous FTY knit with a sequin floral and scrolls pattern. With sequins for daytime being a spring 2023 trend, I decided to use the fabric to sew a cardigan. This is not your typical cardigan. Not only did I choose a sequin knit, but I chose what I consider to be a unique pattern, the Cascade Dress from The Sewing Workshop (now out of print). I have sewn it a few times but never with sequin fabric. My cardigan is actually a top that is designed to button down the front but I made a few small changes to the pattern. I lengthened the front by four inches, removed the front plackets, and added a button and fabric loop at the front n

Made By A Fabricista: Workwear Ready

I'm excited for my first post in 2023! At the beginning of the year, I recently went back to working in person so now I am looking to make and wear pieces that I can wear to work. The goal is to be functional but also very fashionable since I am a fashion design professor. I saw this blue denim fabric and knew I wanted to make some pants; I just wasn’t sure what kind. I decided to make Mimi G x Simplicity S8985 View B pants. I liked the oversized flare look, I just made one slight modification to them by adding a pintuck along the front. This was easy to add since the waistline was called to be slightly gathered to fit. The fabric had a hand closer to linen and was very lightweight which was great and very satisfying to sew. I lengthened the pants by 3” and finished with a 2” hem. The top I used Simplicity S9707. It’s an oversized partial button down top. I decided to create a high low hem by combining two different views. I loved the print of the fabric but honestly as s

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